Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

This slow cooker hot chocolate is rich and decadent made with both whole milk and heavy cream, sweet sugar, semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder, and a little vanilla.

My favorite way to enjoy a warm cozy cup of hot chocolate is after a fun and exciting night of trick-or-treating!

I love making hot chocolate in all different ways (have you tried my Vitamix hot chocolate?) but this slow cooker hot chocolate has a pure decadent chocolate flavor with heavy cream, whole milk, sweet sugar, and both semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder. 

This slow cooker hot chocolate is the ultimate way to indulge, without having to fuss! Simply place all of the ingredients into the slow cooker, and get on with your day!

Trust me, everyone’s going to want a second mug of this slow cooker hot chocolate!

Ingredients for slow cooker hot chocolate

• Whole milk and heavy cream – Using both of these will provide richness and the perfect consistency for our slow cooker hot chocolate.
• Granulated sugar – I’ve opted for granulated sugar here, to add a simple sweetness since the chocolates are not very sweet.
• Semi-sweet chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder – Using both semi-sweet chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder will give your slow cooker hot chocolate a complex, rich, and chocolatey flavor. 
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract will add a subtle vanilla flavor.

How to make hot chocolate in the crock pot

This is so easy to make you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making it all winter long!

1. Add milk, heavy cream, chocolate, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to a slow cooker.
2. Turn it slow cooker and whisk ingredients.
3. Simmer gently until hot and delicious.
4. Serve topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or chocolate shavings.

Variations

There are so many delicious ways to change up this slow cooker hot chocolate!

Here are some of my favorites:

• Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet and cocoa powder, for a sweet and creamy vanilla-forward drink!
• Add a little spice with a pinch of cayenne for a nice warming effect.
• Celebrate the season with some pumpkin pie spice, for added warmth and holiday flavor.
• If you need to make this sugar-free, simply replace the granulated sugar with your favorite sugar substitute.
• Add a pinch of instant espresso powder for added flavor.

Toppings

A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate is perfect on its own, but setting out toppings for your guests is a great idea to add a little fun and flavor.

Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• A peppermint stick for stirring
• Chocolate drizzle
• Chocolate cookie crumbles
• Shaved chocolate
• A splash of whisky (adults 21+ only)

What’s the difference between Dutch process and regular cocoa powder?

Both Dutch process and regular unsweetened cocoa powder are often found right next to each other at the grocery store. You may be wondering, is there any difference? The answer is, yes!

Dutch process cocoa takes natural cocoa powder and mixes it with an alkalizing agent to make it less acidic. The end result is a smoother-tasting cocoa that is also darker in color.

If the recipe specifies using one over the other, it’s for good reason! Different leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder can ruin a baked good if there’s too much/not enough acidity. 

But for our purposes here, feel free to use either!

Storage and leftovers 

Any leftover slow cooker hot chocolate can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 

More drink recipes

• Looking for a fun and sweet party drink? Try my Instant Pot Apple Cider
• Love apple pie? Try my Apple Pie Smoothie
• Want something to keep the party going? Try my Peppermint White Russian
• Need a new morning pick-me-up? Try my Eggnog Whipped Coffee